As it acts in the world, the Tao is like the bending of a bow. The top is bent downward; the bottom is bent up.

It adjusts excess and deficiency so that there is perfect balance. It takes from what is too much and give to what isn't enough.

Those who try to control, who use force to protect their power, go against the direction of the Tao.

They take from those who don't have enough and give to those who have far too much.

The Master can keep giving because there is no end to her wealth. She acts without expectation, succeeds without taking credit, and doesn't think that she is better than anyone else.

— The Tao Te Ching, Stephen Mitchell translation

 



Share: